07-28-2018, 08:16 AM
(07-27-2018, 10:42 PM)Markster Wrote:(07-27-2018, 10:15 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: I don't know that I agree they're better than painted bike lanes. At this point, drivers treat them no differently than they would an area of pavement coloured differently.
They are definitely better than painted lanes.
Most drivers I'm sure are not driving in the separated lanes. The curb means they won't accidentally drift in while not paying attention.
The problem is they just look too much like parking, and are too convenient for the entitled and impatient.
Are they though? You're right, I don't generally see drivers drift into them all that much. But they're probably about the same as a bike lane with a half meter buffer in that regard. Also, keep in mind, the bike lanes currently have far more protection than they will when they're done, because there is a two inch lip separating the first layer of pavement from the curb, (which poses no obstacle to cars, but it does to cyclists, who have to go around parked cars, meaning it's difficult to get back into the lane safely).
In any case, even if you're right about this, I think I'm right when it comes to parking, I don't think the curb makes a lick of difference when it comes to vehicles parking illegally in the bike lane.
For me, it's a waste of money. And I definitely will not be supporting another bike lane in the city without barrier curbs.
Quote:Quote:If bollards are OK for Kitchener I challenge any Waterloo planner or designer to explain how they aren’t OK for Waterloo in a very similar situation.
I'm pretty sure the lack of bollards (and the roll curb) is a feature of Waterloo's design, so that the road is wide enough for the excessive standards of emergency services. Cars can pull out of the way of an ambulance; fire trucks can turn around.
I don't believe this is true, the region has many two lane roads, many rebuilt very recently, which are the same width as the pavement of King St., but have barrier curbs. Mill St. and Strange St. come to mind immediately, but there are others as well. Both are only ~5 meters wide total width, with barrier curbs both sides, King St. at it's narrowest is about the same, and most is wider due to turn lanes and parking.